Drum Teacher Reacts to Sleep Token (II)

[@tabeaw123]

I have absolutely zero drum knowledge but have watched HOURS of ii playing and reactions to his drumming. He is just that good. Absolute king.

[@StephenTaylorDrums]

He's done really well at defining his sound and style. Killer player to boot.

[@Swedish_Drummer]

He's one of the best modern drummers out there!

[@javiervilla3160]

One of the best drummers on the scene right now

[@brendenblunt9851]

Go and watch the full drumeo video so fucking good

[@usergrade7812]

I also no eff all about drumming, but some bands just seem to use the percussion to set the beat and add fill while it seems clear that the drumming is integral to defining Sleep Token's music.

[@HowieStephens]

Plenty of drum "reactors" out there just going "🤯 damn thats crazy... anyway thanks for watching" - so i appreciate your detailed breakdowns and breadth of knowledge. Good stuff man thanks for sharing!

[@StephenTaylorDrums]

Thann you my friend!

[@coreyw5981]

Half these reaction channels out there dont deserve views. I didn't come to watch someone just make a face, i wanna see an analysis or atleast what you're experiencing

[@stevewade2535]

​@@coreyw5981I totally agree. For drummers who aren't really great with the technical side of things (myself included in that one), it really helps to learn new techniques and styles of playing. Anyone can make a face at a video but to digest it, dissect it and help others is something totally different.

[@edelwiess2306]

I say it every time. He’s always so laid back he could be knitting! He’s phenomenal live!

[@theopinson3851]

What I love about II is how different his performances are from each other. It’s rare to hear people improvise this much within a metal context but quite a bit of those linear fills and the solo was just him grooving. Always lands right on the 1 though lol very tight band.

[@robcusack8248]

Never seen someone break down his playing as well as this. Super interesting! I knew there was a reason I loved ST as soon as I heard them and it's all driving from this sick playing. Thank you for this video, really enjoyed it

[@EnergeticxCheese]

I keep hoping he’ll do a solo album

[@moderategiantx3374]

I am not a drummer, so hearing you explain some of this stuff is awesome. For, instance: the gels on the Toms making a difference in not only the tone but the duration of the sound is something I never knew but makes so much sense.

[@shocktrooper8443]

Almost like watching a 'drum solo' all the way through their songs, and the band is backing HIM up! His patterns multiply almost 'exponentionally' as the band drones-along. Very hypnotic kind of 'metal' here. Works well for studio and live performance. Kudos for having the skill, ears & study to break it all down into words for us. "Go with the Flow"!🤘😎

[@mattthompson5908]

The videos hes done with drumeo are awesome

[@kingdingaling9756]

Metal drumming with Gospel chops = next level

[@Gusmac84]

Yesss! Best coment!

[@princessjoy007]

Facts! Another KZbinr said he uses gospel inspiration in his drumming.❤🤟🏽🥁

[@mstke5031]

​@@princessjoy007he also said it himself on the drumeo interview

[@tyguydrumz]

This video just became my favorite "drummer reaction" video I've seen to date. The detailed analysis and thoughtful comments make such a huge difference, and the content here is incredibly meaningful and can broaden drummers' knowledge base. This video beats the pants off the countless videos out there that contain nothing but "Whoa, this guy is sick." We need more of what you've done here! Thank you, and keep it up! Subbed!

[@StephenTaylorDrums]

Thank you my friend!

[@UnXplainable1]

Outstanding video and insight into one of the best drummers out there right now! II definitely used a lot of gel back in the day when Hypnosis was recorded, but he switched to Remo P4 heads, which are phenomenal for the attack and quick decay you mentioned without the need to load them up with gels. Poor Moongel. They could have had a great artist endorsement deal had he not switched heads, haha. Anyway, thanks for the fantastic lesson!

[@DrkNinja_]

I watch a lot of drum covers, but I can tell you that I've watched the most of II, and I can tell you the way he plays feels like its watching a conductor not wasting a single movement to perfectly play uber complex pieces of music with multiple genre's of drumming. God its insane

[@amandag1337]

I know nothing about drumming but I am always fascinated to hear people talk about II!

[@Knochenbrecher-2-3-42]

His drumming skills are heavenly, I like the band a lot :)

[@NickWebb-lc6ry]

WTF man, the more I watch his drumming the more I understand why other drummers like his style. That control is disgusting, those ghosty notes are too slick and perfect, awesome.

[@carriefish]

This was the best reaction by a drum player or teacher that I've seen. And I try to watch them all 😅 You explained everything so well that I began to completely understand things that I've been trying to understand since these videos have started emerging, and I don't know ✨️anything✨️ about music. But now I know 3, maybe 4 things! 😂 still don't know what a "flam" is, I thought it was a dessert, but that's a *flan, whoops. Thank you so much for this. II is a great musician and you're a great teacher! Subbed. And worship! 🫶🏻✨️

[@WhisperingWinds0]

I just caught this video on my recommended. Stephen, Not only this is my first time seeing some with deep knowledge talking about the specifics of II's drumming style, patterns and such. You are also contagiously enthusiastic in your way about it. I Love that about you. You "bring down" the knowledge from Mount Olympus to my untrained ears, and make it an enjoyable ride. Thanks !

[@StephenTaylorDrums]

Thank you my friend

[@traviswilliams3366]

II IS THE GOAT! Subscribed! React to some more sleep token too bro they are amazing.

[@StephenTaylorDrums]

Glad to have ya hanging!

[@lisao6928]

I haven't checked out much of this guy's stuff. I will now. This sounds excellent.

[@robertpetre9378]

I can really hear the gospel chops coming out and also the way 2 said that he likes to listen to vessels vocals and based a lot of his phrasing on that

[@rotaryrevivalist5095]

I’m a guitar player first. Wanted to be a drummer but 💰💰💰💰 forced me into guitar. That being said. ii’s kit is the best sounding kit I have ever heard. If I could just replicate it exactly I’d never stop playing. 😂

[@RealTroyE23]

I just bought a pair of his Wincent sticks. This is the first time in my life Ive ever bought a drummers signature sticks.. I think that speaks volumes. II is insanely good and also fun to try and mimic his playstyle!

[@kska-KoKo-qkkf]

I was a drum major back in high-school when TMBTE came out, and having the knowledge of being in band and listening to this breakdown of my favorite band is such a nostalgic feeling

[@CommanderNeedlePants]

Nostalgia from a little over a year ago? lol

[@ImNotQualifiedToSayThisBut]

@@CommanderNeedlePants Well, if the guy graduated high school around that time it might already feel nostalgic. The change from HS to university is quite drastic.

[@gSWG3R]

You were a drum major in highschool last year* lol.

[@Nonya12608]

He makes drumming musical. It's captivating.

[@giovannimerced1801]

ii is just insane!!! Like, even live is similar but different if that makes sense. Just amazing player

[@oleksiistri8429]

i love drumming in the Jaws song

[@DeathColdBeer]

Worship" “Life is dark. Life is bright. Life is ugly. Life is beautiful. Don’t get lost in genres, they’ll only disorientate you. Music is for everyone.” -Vessel 2017

[@Kolibri92]

I personally appreciate songs and playthroughs without lyrics. Because usually lyrics, or vocals, mostly take peoples attention from detail, such as, being the awesome drumming and little details there is. Or in the rhythm guitar section. This was the best thing I've heard from this band.

[@savannahspookspookie]

Everytime II drums is like watching wizardry and alchemy all at once - his drumming is an experience in itself or better yet the way he moves his hands and the sticks always reminds me of an orchestra conductor. I know none of what I said probably makes sense to some but yeah - just a master at his craft.

[@poshiesymons666]

One of the best drummers in the uk and he comes from a death metal background so he can play all the blasts and double kick anyone could think of.

[@radoslavdragnev8797]

who is he? how do you know he had death metal backgound

[@danielhadida3915]

@@radoslavdragnev8797 You're literally 1 Google search away from knowing that.

[@chrismoore6293]

@@radoslavdragnev8797 The secrets are out there if you know where to look.

[@sp0ngeb00b7]

@@radoslavdragnev8797the info is out there if you want it, but we don’t share it here. Most fans don’t want to know, as it was the wish of the band to remain anonymous :)) Their identities were revealed against their will, sadly.

[@FieldDave44Tent]

​@@radoslavdragnev8797their identities are known, just Google and the information is out there.

[@sickynessgaming]

Really great reaction video, really interesting to see and hear feedback to see how II works and the explanations of it. awesome content.

[@EclecticDivergent]

I would have to assume Mitch Mitchell graced his ears as a young man… But he has sighted Abe Cunningham as one of his major influences.

[@rlangton76]

I'm at awe at II's drumming. How is it possible to remember so many patterns and songs? Most songs have repeatable patterns with some variations, II's drumming seems to me more like full complex solo's through the entire songs.

[@sharkuel]

This man's drumming is so tasty. I really dig Sleeptoken for the drum work. May I suggest you also check Darkside from Mgla/Kriegsmaschine? His cymbal work is fantastic.

[@StephenTaylorDrums]

Thanks for the recomendation!

[@zimmerframehero1483]

he is insane on the drums 100% his timing and switches are madness

[@earthscorcher]

Hiiiighly recommend the full Drumeo video where II played several songs and did an interview. Very insightful to his influences (fantastic call on the gospel influence), techniques, and methods. Plus, just insane drumming.

[@bennyharderguitar]

II is my favorite drummer

[@vinbags]

(II) is amazing! 🙏

[@robertashmen9321]

Incredibly talented player!

[@cookiesarepro36]

II brought me here, but im staying for your excellent, informative and obviously knowledgeable breakdowns. Excellent job!

[@StephenTaylorDrums]

Thank you!

[@Swollen_Goat]

Damn, really surprised somehow that none of the Drumeo videos are in this reaction video. That's a bit of a shame. But either way, the ones selected are all still amazing. II talks about his influences in the Drumeo breakdown and once I heard that, it really brought out a different perspective that I didn't think about before with his playing.

[@wired_to_the_world]

Have you done a reaction to the drummer Estepario Siberiano?

[@gardj456]

If not already pointed out. The first kit with the dry cymbals was Drumeos kit not II's

[@citrineflora]

This is a super informative video. Thank you!

[@StephenTaylorDrums]

Glad to hear it my friend

[@hilquiasaraujo6852]

Man, you should definitely check out this video of brazilian drummer Bruno Valverde covering Sleep Token - The Summoning Bruno is really amazing and makes his own mark in the solo section. It might also be worth a reaction video :)

[@aaronhodgdon]

I wouldn't be surprised at all if he took off the mask and it was Matt Halpern from Periphery. Style, body movement, all those ghost notes, so similar to Matt

[@timbrawdy2249]

He’s so freaking good

[@devinbuchhorn]

Should have watched the Drumeo version......he goes a solo pretty much the whole time while playing the super intricate beat.

[@Bluestreaksmedia]

12:56 Red Bull more than likely

[@JohnathanWestMusic]

Brother! You earned my sub. I can't wait to learn more that I can take to the kit from your channel!

[@StephenTaylorDrums]

Glad to have you hanging brotha!

[@ImNotQualifiedToSayThisBut]

13:15 Enjoying music is great indeed!

[@Gravedigger432]

The thing I like about his style he keeps it fairly simple but it sounds amazing. They have that Slipknot aesthetic but it isn’t crazy.

[@Gravedigger432]

Also I think he got him another redbull that is why he was behind him it was sneaky but he totally replaced it 😂

[@AlecFloyd-se8de]

Great reaction/breakdown!! It would be awesome if you did Aaron Gillespie at some point

[@robertthompson5568]

This is the one drummer that gets me absolutely sideways! I know it's all about the "isms" You pointed out that he uses a lot of odd linear phrases, and he uses a ton of cymbals. It's hard to do that and keep anything that resembles a backbeat! My girlfriend's new thing is Sleep Token, and she always wants me to play along to this stuff. It's really a tall order!

[@devinliu4356]

This has been the most randomly helpful video about understanding phrasing in drumming 😹😺✊ I will now use that knowledge to torture my band’s drummer even more when writing his parts 🤓

[@iplayguitarmain7670]

Man you are so sick, new sub. I know you’re not the one drumming, but you are so sick 🤘

[@StephenTaylorDrums]

Thank you my friend

[@alexm.handro1313]

That snare sounds so good.

[@PhDJester]

It is said that each snare is at the beat of II's heart.

[@Jamieleanne1985]

He's incredible.

[@JoeJohnson0515]

If you like this you have to check out Matt Halpern and Jay Postones

[@Pr0phetEdge]

Most genius level talent never comes from a book, and the legends barely know how to read music if at all. I can always tell the college trained drummer vs the emotional fueled drummer.

[@MS-dz1di]

He worked as a drum teacher himself. I 'm very sure about that.

[@RIchardPalermo-s9v]

If you want to be amazed check out CalebH cover The Summoning on KZbin. Oh yeah he's 9 years old.

[@barryhoggle2354]

CHECK OUT HIM DOING higher

[@wrecker9681]

II is probably the best drummer after Portnoy and Mangini right now (for me) ..... bros a beast

[@StephenTaylorDrums]

Killer player and style

[@maness2112]

Portnoy and mangini? Haha 2005 called. More like matt garska and Eric moore.

[@morbidmanmusic]

that seems like fan extremes

[@mentilly_all]

dude is overhyped.. sounds like my basement frestylin, just a bit cleaner

[@wrecker9681]

@@maness2112 my taste is bit old sry i don't keep up with many modern drummers

[@trialsmc]

I love b... I mean 2

[@ericgardner5548]

I'll just never understand making toms that dead.

[@Giga1337]

i luv u taylor! have my firstborn!

[@Giga1337]

AHA, I made it! now to watch the actual video ahah 🔥

[@StephenTaylorDrums]

It's just that I don't ovulate...

[@NijFix]

I suspect that this was recorded during the Take Me Back To Eden recording sessions. Hence all the moon gels and bass drum mics actoss his toms. Unusual set up for a jam session.

[@StephenTaylorDrums]

He def has a defined sound that he's worked on, which is part of what everyone loves about his playing whether they realize it or not. Doesn't surprise me he would gel up even for a jam session just so that sound remains.

[@AUmica01]

their former producer george lever set up the audio for this, he departed ways after the 2nd album was finished

[@countorringtonludlow5211]

This band's music (and drum track) is so over compressed that there is zero dynamic range going on to our ears. Which really defeats the purpose of trying to break down his sound. Much of which is triggers and post processing. Snare is clearly triggered with no gels and then the toms are covered in more gels than I have ever seen anybody use.

[@goodtimejohnny8972]

Halloween costume is pretty funny. Is this one of the fired drummers from Slipknot?😅

[@joshbuddha6112]

Nah he's wayy to young